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Derric I. Heck

Education

Heck received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the Florida A&M University School of Architecture. He has done graduate research at Florida A&M University and Carnegie Mellon University.

At Carnegie Mellon, Heck worked with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh through UDREAM and the Remaking Cities Institute, where he contributed to Homewood-Brushton: A Vision for the Future. The publication serves as the catalyst for the multi-million-dollar redevelopment planning of the historic neighborhood where Heck also served as a consultant. This work has been profiled in AIArchitect.

Career

Heck began his career with John A. Tuten & Associates, Architects, in his hometown of Brunswick, Ga. There his work focused on educational, commercial, residential and urban design and facilities programming.

After four years with JAT, Heck founded I.Design, a design, programming and project management consulting firm. His work experience includes university systems, boards of education, library systems, municipalities, community development corporations, non-surgical medical facilities, religious organizations, park systems, and housing authorities.

After his stint with the Remaking Cities Institute, I.Design was asked to lead the year-long pre-development design and community relations effort to restore the New Granada Theatre in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District. Originally designed by Pittsburgh’s first African-American architect, Louis A.S. Bellinger, the New Granada is currently planning an $18 million multi-phase development under the management of the Hill Community Development Corp.

Advocacy

As a community advocate, Heck has provided commentary on MSNBC regarding issues of affirmative action in public institutions and has championed education reform.

He serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for Propel Schools in Pittsburgh, helping to expand its reach and resources. He also founded Project HOPE (Healthy Opportunities to Pursue Excellence), an initiative designed to mitigate the disparities in academic outcomes through staff and scholar development.

Professional

Derric is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects and a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects. He is a member of the NEXT Leaders of Green Communities and serves as a board member of the Afro-American Music Institute. As a member of Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s transition team, he served on the Economic Development Committee.

Heck also is a member of 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania, and he contributes to the work of the Iota Phi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. He is an active member of the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church.